Grade 7 Science Worksheet

Based on the visual data from the world map below, geologists observe that the coastlines of South America and Africa appear to fit together like puzzle pieces. Which statement best describes the evidence of Earth's changes over time?

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The matching coastlines suggest that South America and Africa have always been connected by land bridges. Which of the following conclusions is best supported by this fossil evidence?

• The matching coastlines suggest that South America and Africa have always been connected by land bridges.

• The fit of the continents indicates that the Earth's oceans have shrunk over time, pulling the continents closer together.

• The matching coastlines are coincidental and do not provide evidence for the movement of continents.

• The similarities in coastline shapes indicate that tectonic forces have caused the continents to drift apart, supporting the theory of continental drift.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Based on this data and the principle of superposition, what pattern of environmental change does this evidence suggest occurred over time in this area?

• The environment transitioned from terrestrial to marine.

• The environment transitioned from marine to terrestrial.

• The environment remained consistently marine.

• The environment remained consistently terrestrial.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Based on the data, which of the following trends are supported by the measurements of the distance between India and Australia?

• The distance between India and Australia increased by 400 km between year 30,000-40,000 and again between 40,000-50,000.

• The distance between India and Australia decreases over time.

• The rate of distance increase is constant throughout the time periods.

• The distance between India and Australia is increasing at a faster rate over time.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Paleontologists have found fossils of tropical plants in rock layers in Antarctica. What does this fossil evidence suggest about Earth's past?

• Antarctica was once located in a tropical region.

• Antarctica has always been a cold and icy continent.

• Tropical plants can survive in extremely cold climates.

• Fossils cannot provide information about past climates.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

4. The graph shows how the number of different types of animal fossils changed over millions of years, covering two major time periods in Earth's history: the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras.

• The graph shows the number of animal fossils in the Paleozoic era only.

• The graph shows the number of animal fossils in the Mesozoic era only.

• The graph shows the number of animal fossils in both the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras.

• The graph does not show any information about animal fossils.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Paleontologists have discovered whale fossils with limbs in an area that is now a desert, as shown in the image. How does this fossil discovery support the idea that Earth has changed over time?

• The presence of whale fossils with limbs indicates that the area was once underwater.

• The discovery shows that whales have always lived in deserts.

• The fossils prove that deserts have always existed in their current form.

• The fossils suggest that whales evolved in desert environments.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What does the fossil evidence in the Appalachian region indicate about the area's past geography?

• The region was once a desert.

• The region was once covered by a shallow sea.

• The region was always mountainous.

• The region was once a tropical rainforest.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The principle of superposition helps scientists understand Earth's geological history by stating that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the ________.

• bottom

• top

• middle

• surface

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

How does the study of fossils help scientists understand Earth's history?

• By providing evidence of past life forms and environments

• By predicting future geological events

• By determining the current climate conditions

• By identifying the location of mineral deposits

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4